Notoriously a difficult route due to lack of water and cramped accommodation en route, the GR20 is arguably Europe’s finest and toughest trek. This itinerary takes away some of the route’s usual hardships as we stay in private refuges, only carry daypacks and take a rest day in the beautiful citadel of Corte, allowing us to enjoy the fabulous walking. The landscape and terrain are still a challenge and vary enormously from precipitous and dramatic cliff-top paths to lush green meadows, but this incredible, legendary hike has finally been made more comfortable.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

11.0km/6.8miles

Day 3

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 5

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 6

13.0km/8.1miles

Day 7

23.0km/14.3miles

Day 8

13.0km/8.1miles

Day 10

16.0km/9.9miles

Day 11

14.0km/8.7miles

Day 12

20.0km/12.4miles

Day 13

15.0km/9.3miles

Day 14

20.0km/12.4miles

Number of days walking: 11

Pace: Challenging: 5-6km/3-4miles an hour

Terrain: Low altitude; including steep, rocky terrain

Itinerary

Transfer to Calenzana, south east of Calvi, a quiet little village surrounded by the olive trees that are native to the area. This is our start point for the walk up to Bonifatu. Our route takes in several river crossings and offers some great views over the characterful towns of Balagne. This offers an excellent warm up for the GR20 and gives us our first glimpse of the Corsican coast.
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3Day 3A long but rewarding walk from Bonifatu to Haut Asco.

After breakfast we leave Bonifatu and tackle one of the longest sections of the GR20. River crossings are again a feature, before we reach the famous Spasimata footbridge. The setting here is quite dramatic, as the bridge is 30 metres in length and suspended above a waterfall, offering a fantastic photo opportunity. Using fixed cables we head over the Spasimata slabs and arrive in the Muvrella (Mouflon) Valley, where the passes provide some excellent viewpoints of a region home to, not surprisingly, a large population of Mouflons which we may spot during the week. Our destination is the foot of Monte Cinto, the highest summit in Corsica, where we spend the night.

Today you can chosse either to rest and relax, or to walk to Lac d'Argentu (2400m), a beautiful glacial lake at the foot of the north face of Monte Cinto with great views of the mountain itself, and return to Haut Asco for the night. There is also an optional ascent of Monte Cinto (2706m) for wonderful views over the surrounding valleys and, on a clear day, much of Corsica.
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5Day 5Traverse the Cirque de Solitude; descend towards Vallone.

The legendary 'Cirque de la Solitude' offers one of the most impressive landscapes of the GR20. A system of ladders and chains renders this technical route passable and memorable for visitors, and leads us on past the Tighjettu Refuge and to the sheepfolds of Vallone. Here we find small shepherds' huts offering hearty portions of home cooked food.
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6Day 6Climb to the Refuge Ciotulu I Mori; descend by the Golo River

After waking up to views of the surrounding mountains, the day begins with a gentle walk through a forest of giant Laricio pines before a long rocky climb up the Bocca di Fuciale. The climb is soon rewarded as we head up and over the saddle towards the Ciotulu I Mori Refuge, beneath the distinctive Paglia Orba peak. From here there are great views down towards the Golo Valley. At this point the path becomes much easier as we wind our way down the valley, past the many rock pools on the Golo River, which are perfect for a quick dip. The final stretch takes us back through the woods and up to Castel di Verghio.
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7Day 7Verghio to Lac Nino and the Sega refuge

Our route today is relatively long, but is a real treat. Leaving Verghio the route gradually climbs out of the shadows of the lush forest. The morning's effort is rewarded by the descent to one of the best known lakes in Corsica, Lac de Nino, complete with its little ponds (pozzines). The setting is superb, with views of the mountains often complemented by the grazing horses, cows and pigs that often visit the lake. The path continues to follow the river and the tempting bathing pools, and leads us to one of the most attractive refuges on the island.

After tearing ourselves away from the natural pools near the refuge, we make our way down the Tavignano gorge, to Corte. This stage offers more opportunities en route for bathing in the crystal clear waters of the Tavignano river. We have dinner in a traditional restaurant in Corte and spend the night in a hotel.
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9Day 9Free day in Corte

A well-earned day of rest marks the transition from the GR North to the GR South. We have the chance to spend much of the day soaking up the lively atmosphere of Corte, the ancient capital of Corsica. Take your time to discover the citadel, perched high upon a rocky crag, a defiant spectacle of Corsican patriotism. Visit the Museu dia Corsica, which charts the fascinating and turbulent history of the island, as well as spend time wandering round the many shops, cafï¿½s and restaurants. See more images and videos

10Day 10Vizzavona to Bocca Palmente and Capanella

A private transfer will take us to Vizzavona where we begin the trek with the Pass of Vizzavona and the stiff but steady climb to Bocca Palmente, where the view is splendid along the eastern plains and back to Monte D'Oro. Next, after passing the crest, we discover several sheepfolds and have a glimpse of Monte Renoso, tomorrow's objective, before finally arriving at the sheepfolds of Capanelle.

11Day 11From Capanelle to the Plateau of Gialgone; optional ascent of Mt Renoso and on to Col de Verde

From Capanelle, we make our way to the picturesque sheepfolds of Traghjete before trekking on towards the Plateau of Ghialgone. We cross the footbridge of I Spiazzi (another bathing point). Our final descent of the day lies under the shadow of the rarest and most majestic Corsican fir trees, before reaching the Col de Verde.
For those feeling adventurous there is an opportunity to climb Monte Renoso, the highest point of southern Corsica at 2352m. We pass Lac Bastani before reaching the summit where we are rewarded with views back to Monte Cinto, Paglia Orba and Monte Incudine.
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12Day 12Descent from the Col de Verde to Cozzano

We start the day with a climb towards the refuge of Prati, which is perfectly positioned for beautiful views across to the massif of Renosu. The view is at its best when we reach the crest. From here the view stretches out across the Ligurian sea and the Italian island of Elba (weather permitting). After easy scrambling through a landscape of rocky slabs with some exposure for approx. 2 hours, we make our descent through the forest before reaching Cozzano, a village in the heart of Corsica.
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13Day 13From Cozzano climb to Bocca di L'Usciolu an on to Sheepfolds of Bassetta

Our morning is devoted to the climb towards Bocca De Surraghedu. After 1000m of difference in height, we embark on the Arete a Mondi, a beautiful rocky crest with fantastic views. After easy scrambling with some exposure for approx. 2 hours we start our descent through a forest of centennial trees. The path finally descends and the vegetation becomes dense. After the crossing of a stream, we arrive at the sheepfolds of Bassetta.
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14Day 14Ascend the Plateau Coscione to the Asinau Valley and on to Bavellato Bavella

This is the longest and hardest day of the trip, but the end of this superb trek is in sight. Continuing on the GR20 from Bassetta, we cross the Plateau Coscione where streams wind their way through small valleys and climb steadily towards the col below Monte Incudine. On a clear day we see Monte Cinto and Paglia Orba behind us, and Sardinia in the distance in front. From here we descend to Asinau to reach our final destination, Bavella and its famous ï¿½Aiguillesï¿½ (or ï¿½needlesï¿½), which dominate the landscape of the Alta Rocca. There couldnï¿½t be a more fantastic place to finish this memorable walk!See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You have a good level of fitness and are looking for a physically challenging holiday. Previous experience is essential for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leaders throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (not available)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Dormitories, Tent & Hotels

You will spend 10 nights in comfortable dormitories, 1 night in a tent and 3 nights in 2 star hotels. Hot showers should be available at each and every accommodation, but water maybe limited and demand high. Please be aware that facilities will be basic and normally on a shared basis (except at the hotel).
Single accommodation is not available on this trip.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

The GR20 requires a good level of fitness, mountain walking experience and a sure footedness for the rocky landscape and mountain ridges, as well as a head for heights. Although not technically challenging, it involves plenty of ascents and descents, scrambling and the occasional use of fixed chains and a ladder (via ferrata). Each day we can expect to walk for an average of 6 to 9 hours (not including stops) with considerable daily ascents and descents with rough underfoot (averaging +800m and -800m per day, not including the optional summit ascents/descents).
The main luggage is driven from base to base for us on most days, so we only have to carry our gear for the day and perhaps a packed lunch. However, on 2 occasions our accommodation is inaccessible by road, therefore we will need to carry our sleeping bag and overnight belongings for 4 consecutive days. Please ensure your daysack is big enough to carry all the necessary equipment.
The paths are well marked with red and white painted signs on rocks, trees and other convenient objects. However, our itinerary diverges from the classic trail at times to take you to see more fantastic scenery, as well as taking you to less crowded, and more comfortable gites for the night.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners are included.
Breakfasts include tea or coffee, bread and jam.
Packed lunches vary between accommodations, but usually include bread, cheese, ham and a pasta salad.
Dinners normally include a hot simple three course meal.
Please note that it can be difficult (but not impossible) to cater for vegetarians on the GR20. The gites are in isolated places and depend upon local produce. You should be able to get cheese sandwiches for lunch and often omelettes or basic pasta dishes are available for the evening dinners. Please bring a good supply of protein (nuts and seeds) to keep up your energy levels if this concerns you, as this may be lacking. No other dietary requirements will be able to be catered for.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

The weather during the summer months can be fantastic for the GR20 with clear skies offering views across the mountains and out to the sea. However, given its mountainous relief, this Mediterranean island can also experience summer storms at short notice. By late June, the snow should be confined to small streaks and should not cause any difficulties, although freak weather in the mountains is always a possibility, so be prepared for all kinds of weather. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and decide on the best course of action each morning. Please note that temperatures can vary from 5ºC to 28ºC.

Gallery

Reviews & community

The GR20 is an amazing experience not to be missed. It is the toughest hike I've done but don't let that put you off. The scenery is incredible and the climbs are perfectly manageable if you have reasonable fitness and a head for heights. Staying in mountain huts adds to the authenticity of the experience and none of them are that basic - hot showers were available almost everywhere. Food can be a challenge if you don't like huge lumps of white bread but charcuterie and cheese are incredible. Don't expect to make friends with any Corsicans - they don't feel that way inclined!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Cirque de Solitude day is breathtaking in its almost vertical rock faces. The view backwards once you've done the climbs is simply one of the most satisfying experiences.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pascal our main group leader was a lovely guide. Very experienced and felt like a safe pair of hands but also just a nice guy to spend time with and worked really hard to make us welcome at the mountain huts by befriending the owners! Our second guide Marty was also great, full of fascinating stories about the Marines and ready for a laugh.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do train before, just so you're prepared for some long days. There are one or two places to clean clothes so you don't need to overpack. Snacks can be handy if you don't like rustic mountain hut food. There is a supermarket in the first stop to get foods to top up. I would definetely recommend peanut butter/nutella to boost the meagre breakfasts, good instant coffee or a camp stove to make your own - its a bit hit and miss. Definetely be prepared with camping/dormitory living essentials: torches, flip flops, travel towel, sleeping bag.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't be put off by all the Gr20 nonsense about it being too tough. Its not that bad and its one of the best walks you can do over a long distance. Maybe add on a few rest days at the end and don't go straight back to work like I did!

Fantastic experience with great group of people and excellent leaders in rugged mountains.

Accommodation and food better than expected from being in such a wonderful area.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too many wonderful scenes and experiences to choose one.
The Cirque de la Solitude has to be among them , plus ascending Monte Cinto (weather could have been better!), the ridge walks , the scrambling and the final walking day which had all previous days in one!
Mountain scenery as good as anywhere.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leaders Chris and "Tug" were excellent and were a great team together.

Both professional and helpful / friendly at the same time. Good company too.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read the trip notes well as they give a good indication of what to expect.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great holiday if you enjoy great walking / scrambling in the mountains for extended periods.
Fantastic experience in a region of outstanding beauty.

Our GR20 trip was a very successful one. We had a group of 14 which was really a great number. Almost all of us finished the whole route. Sharing the trip with a bigger group was really uplifting and a larger group made it easier to adjust sleeping arrangements. The weather was perfect, we had no rain at all and it was sunshine every day. The group climbed all three of Corsica's highest mountains along the way, although it was a small group that climbed Cinto. Exodus organisation was like clockwork from start-to-finish. There is a strong inclusive ethos which helped the group bond as a team. Having said that everyone on the group was up to the trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

From seeing the mountains as we flew in, to an afternoon on the beach when we arrived to the first dinner on the first day the build-up to the trip is fabulous. The scenery is wonderful from day 1 and although it changes every day is really breathtaking in places. Having the Cirque so early on is a highlight and the last day, although long and hard is really a wonderful climax. The trip builds up nicely to the final crescendo, climbing up among the Aguille de Bavella, all aches go away. As we hit the col and saw the sea there was a rainbow in the valley. A wonderful sight.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leaders were Tug and Chris. Together these two guides are a fabulous team. My memories of Tug are leading from the front telling jokes, helping and inspiring us all on when we were tired, and leading us all to a laundry on our rest day (bliss to have some clean clothes). Not to mention carrying melons as a treat for us. Chris was amazingly experienced and he always chose the right routes and had the right plan for every day. We all loved his understated briefings about the next day just before dinner. He made us all tea on his stove by a river on the way to Corte. Often Chris took the rear helping along the slower team members and patiently encouraging them, although he was equally as capable of pushing the pace at the front. Together Tug and Chris were fabulous, their leadership was crucial to us enjoying the experience so much despite the hard work. Thanks Chris for swapping packs on the last stretch down from the Cirque!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The Cirque is wonderful, but is not as scary as the internet suggests because the steep bits are broken up into small sections. Also the guides instill a lot of confidence. Being organised with the kit and getting mentally prepared for me was almost more important than absolute fitness. Carrying too much weight is a killer. I took 2 very heavy sleeping bags and regretted it. Get a light 2 season (I went in early September). I took lots of snacks and didn't need many. Maybe 1 bar or snack a day. What I really needed was High-5, re-hydration tablets. I took an old ruc-sac and regretted it. I upgraded to an Osprey in Corte-much more comfortable. Hydration is an issue. Half the group or more used Camelbak's and swore by them. Either way you could need to carry up to 2-3 litres of water each a day, some days less. A head torch was vital. Organising the bag is key as often there isn't much room in the huts and often not much time either before dinner. The turn around time in the morning is very limited too and often you are doing this by head torch. I found lots of medium and large Ziplock bags useful for this. Other people used lots of drysacks. Toilet roll, wipes and hand sanitiser are useful too.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had plantar fasciatus before I went and worried that it would stop me. With worn-in boots, stretching and orthotic soles it was no problem. Other people suffered from swollen knees. Lots of ibuprofen tablets and cream were taken and it seemed to help. Walking poles seemed to help everyone. We did it when it was warm, however, there was one day when the weather looked as if it was about to turn and that reminded me that a warm hat and a thin pair of gloves even in the summer would be a good idea. Finally, a big thanks to Tug, Chris and Exodus for such a great trip.

Lou most recently climbed Island Peak and describes Kathmandu as her home away from home and that nothing beats the hot apple pie at Namche Bakery....guilt free when you think of the challenges ahead up the trail. Her trekking jaunts across the globe include: Everest Base Camp &amp; Goyko Lakes, Annapurna Adventure, Mont Blanc Circuit, Markha Valley, Kokoda Track, Kilimanjaro - Rongai Route, Gorilla Trek - Rwanda and the spectacular Simien Mountains, Ethiopia. Lou grew up in outback Australia and heads up the Exodus team in Melbourne.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

How basic are the Corsican gites?

The GR20 is notoriously difficult due to the lack of water and extremely poor accommodation in extremely overcrowded mountain huts (with up to 150 people in one room) along the route. This new itinerary takes away the hassles as we stay in privately owned refuges, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful walking.

We spend 3 nights in a 2* hotel in twin or double room with en suite facilities. 9 nights in private gîtes with dormitories (4 to 16 beds), hot showers and toilets. There is only 1 night in an official GR20 refuge with 6 to 8 people per room, hot shower and toilets, as well as 1 night at a shepherd's hut in tents of 2 (simple toilets and shower available). Please be aware that facilities will be basic and normally on a shared basis (except at the hotel). Hot showers should be available at each accommodation, but water may be limited and demand high.

Rachel George - Europe Operations

Do we carry our own gear on the GR20?

The main luggage is driven from base to base for us on most days, so we only have to carry our gear for the day and perhaps a packed lunch. However, on two occasions our accommodation is inaccessible by road, therefore we will need to carry our sleeping bag and overnight belongings for two consecutive days. Please ensure your daysack is big enough to carry all the necessary equipment.

Rachel George - Europe Operations

How difficult is the GR20?

This long and tough trek is graded C/D.

The GR20 requires a good level of fitness, mountain walking experience and sure footedness for the rocky landscape and mountain ridges, as well as a head for heights.

Although the GR20 is not technically challenging, it involves plenty of ascents and descents, scrambling and the occasional use of fixed chains and a ladder (via ferrata). Each day we can expect to walk for an average of 6 to 9 hours (not including stops) with considerable daily ascents and descents with rough paths underfoot (averaging +800m and -800m per day, not including the optional summit ascents/descents).

We have two tour leaders walking with the group on all departures for added flexibility in our routes.

Anna Dambrosio - Product Manager

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